Carnival Cruise Line has named comedian Jay Leno as the first godfather of one of its ships, the Carnival Venezia, at a celebratory event on June 14, 2023, when the ship is christened and begins service from New York City. The ship is the first to feature “Carnival Fun Italian Style,” which adds Carnival’s signature fun to the ship’s Italian theme. In addition to serving as godfather, Leno will perform a special comedy show exclusively for guests at Carnival events, in partnership with Carnival World Mastercard.
“The Carnival Venezia originally entered service for our Italian sister brand Costa Cruises and was christened in 2019, so she already has a godmother. With the Carnival Venezia joining the fleet and sailing from New York, we wanted to ensure a proper welcome for the ship and decided that having a godfather would be fun and appropriate,” said Carnival Cruise Line PresidentChristine Duffy. “And when we thought about someone who would make a fun godfather with Italian heritage, we knew Jay Leno would be the perfect godfather! He’s already a member of the Carnival family—he entertained guests a few years ago as part of our Carnival LIVE entertainment series.”
“It is a true honor for me to be named godfather of the Carnival Venezia. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse,” said Leno. “Carnival’s focus on fun combined with the Italian theme of this ship is truly unique. I’m also excited to have my own cruise ship, although I think I’ll need a bigger garage!”
A native of New Rochelle, New York, Leno is the grandson of immigrants from Flumeri, Campania, Italy. He began his career in show business as a stand-up comedian, which led him to host The Tonight Show for nearly two decades. For most of his tenure, Leno's The Tonight Show was the highest-rated late-night talk show.
Currently, Leno produces and hosts the primetime CNBC series Jay Leno's Garage, now in its seventh season, which explores the world of cars. He remains in high demand as a stand-up comedian, corporate speaker, and host of the new version of the game show You Bet Your Life.
When guests enter the ship, they arrive at the Venice-inspired Piazza San Marco atrium; the onboard flavor and style continue in restaurants such as the elegant Marco Polo and Canal Grande, along with the new Italian specialty restaurant “Il Vaggio” and the Teatro Rosso reminiscent of Italian opera houses.
Guests will also find many of Carnival's mainstays on board, including Guy Fieri's Guy's Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki and Chef's Table, along with Lido Marketplace, Seafood Shack and Pizzeria del Capitano, Piano Bar 88 and Heroes Tribute Lounge.
Carnival Venezia will arrive at its new home in New York and begin sailing from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on June 15, 2023. The ship can accommodate more than 5,000 passengers and will offer 10 different cruise lengths and 22 unique itineraries visiting 25 ports in 14 countries.
